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xviii, 443 pp. Translated by A.J.N. Lallemant. Folding copper-engraved map. 21x12.5 cm 8¼x5"), period or early boards, morocco lettering piece. First French Edition.

First publication in foreign language of any detailed information of the Lewis and Clark expedition, of especial interest to the French, since it was through lands they had so recently laid claim to. Perhaps more notable, however, is the presence of the map by J.B. Tardieu, "Carte servir au Voyage des Capes. Lewis et Clarke..." which seems to be the first one published that mentions Lewis and Clark and locates parts of their route. It is on two sheets joined together. Wheat notes that "Tardieu had no Lewis and Clark map to assist him, but he apparently had at hand Meriwether Lewis's brief letter-report to Jefferson, and he did his best to locate on his map at least a few of the Expedition's points of geographic interest. His available topography, based as it was on Soulard, was both skimpy and erroneous, but his use of the quoted legends showed much ingenuity." Warren Heckrotte comments that "This is the first map which mentions Lewis and Clarke (in the title)..." This French edition also adds two letters of William Clark not published in other editions of Gass; that of April 2, 1805 from Fort Mandan, written to William Henry Harrison; and that of Sept 23, 1806 upon returning, written to his brother. The second letter is listed separately in Wagner-Camp and had various periodical appearances, but first appears in book form herein. Graff 1519; Howes G77; Wagner-Camp 6:3; Wheat Transmississippi 300.

Provenance: Randall and Windle 5/77